The powers library08 of 59 Stop and search

Stop and search without suspicion in a specified area or place (terrorism authorisation)

s.47ATerrorism Act 2000

Where a senior officer has authorised it, a uniformed constable may stop and search vehicles, their occupants and pedestrians in a specified area or place for evidence of terrorism, without needing reasonable suspicion.

Stop and search without suspicion in a specified area or place (terrorism authorisation) · Terrorism Act 2000, s.47ACard 08 / 59

When you can use it

Authorisation in forceGiven by a senior officer – assistant chief constable or above, or commander or above in the Met or City of London Police (Sch.6B para 14)
s.47A(1)(a)The senior officer reasonably suspects that an act of terrorism will take place
s.47A(1)(b)They reasonably consider the authorisation is necessary to prevent that act, and that the area and duration are no greater or longer than necessary
The search takes place within the specified area or place, while the authorisation is running
The constable is in uniform
s.47A(4)The search is only to discover evidence that the vehicle is being used for terrorism, or that the person is or has been concerned in terrorism (s.40(1)(b))

What it allows

Vehicles (s.47A(2)) – stop a vehicle and search it, the driver, any passenger and anything in or on the vehicle or carried by them.
Pedestrians (s.47A(3)) – stop a pedestrian and search them and anything they carry.
No suspicion needed (s.47A(5)) – the officer need not reasonably suspect that evidence will be found.
Seize and retain (s.47A(6)) anything found that the officer reasonably suspects may be evidence of the kind searched for. In public, only headgear, footwear, outer coat, jacket or gloves may be removed (Sch.6B para 1).

Key definitions

Specified area or place – the area set out in the authorisation, no greater than necessary. A whole force area needs exceptional circumstances (code para 4.2.3).
Senior police officer – Sch.6B para 14: see conditions. BTP, MoD Police and CNC assistant chief constables can authorise for their own areas.

Safeguards

Duration – no more than 14 days from the day it is given (Sch.6B para 6). Oral authorisations must be confirmed in writing as soon as reasonably practicable (para 3).
Secretary of State – must be told as soon as reasonably practicable. The authorisation lapses after 48 hours unless confirmed, but searches already done stay lawful (para 7).
Detention – only as long as reasonably required to search at or near the place stopped (para 2).
Code – PACE Code A does not apply (Code A para 1.03(c)); the 2022 Home Office code issued under s.47AB does. Give your identification number, station, the power, that an authorisation is in place and why people are being stopped (para 5.2.1). Record why the person was selected (para 5.4.6). Selection must not rest on ethnicity, religion or another protected characteristic alone (para 4.11.4).
Written statement – a person stopped can ask for one within 12 months (para 4).

Good to know

A last resort, only where the powers in ss.43, 43A and 43C are not enough (code para 3.1.6).
It replaced the old s.44 power. Sections 44–47 were repealed in July 2012 (Protection of Freedoms Act 2012) after Gillan and Quinton v United Kingdom (2010) found s.44 searches breached Article 8.
Never authorise for public reassurance, deterrence or intelligence gathering (code para 4.1.6). “Rolling” authorisations are not permitted (para 4.3.1).
Neither s.47A nor Sch.6B creates an offence. Resisting or wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty is an offence under s.89(2) Police Act 1996.

Legislation: Terrorism Act 2000, s.47A (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Who can use it: A constable in uniform, under an assistant chief constable's (or Met/City commander's) authorisation
Last checked: 3 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Stop and search without suspicion in a specified area or place (terrorism authorisation): questions people ask

When can the police use stop and search without suspicion in a specified area or place (terrorism authorisation)?

1. Given by a senior officer – assistant chief constable or above, or commander or above in the Met or City of London Police (Sch.6B para 14) 2. The senior officer reasonably suspects that an act of terrorism will take place 3. They reasonably consider the authorisation is necessary to prevent that act, and that the area and duration are no greater or longer than necessary 4. The search takes place within the specified area or place, while the authorisation is running 5. The constable is in uniform 6. The search is only to discover evidence that the vehicle is being used for terrorism, or that the person is or has been concerned in terrorism (s.40(1)(b))

Who can use stop and search without suspicion in a specified area or place (terrorism authorisation)?

A constable in uniform, under an assistant chief constable's (or Met/City commander's) authorisation.

What law gives the power for stop and search without suspicion in a specified area or place (terrorism authorisation)?

Terrorism Act 2000, s.47A.

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